Heinz H.G. Basse' A Life of Love, Dedication and Honor Our beloved husband, Papa, Opa, and brother, Heinz Basse', was born on June 27, 1930 in Breslau, Germany, son of Lucie and Bernhard Basse'. As Heinz's daughters, through our growing-up years and adulthood, we were the lucky recipients of many of his adventurous stories from his life such as the little boy so curious to find the little man inside the radio responsible for the voice that he was left no choice but to take it apart bit by bit; or the 14-year-old boy separated during WWII from his family and the four-month journey that took him through warzones and occupied territory from northeast Germany to Austria, finally locating his mother and one brother through the help of the Red Cross; the 15-year-old boy who worked on a farm as a laborer with his brother, Bernhard, for a place to sleep and a ration of food for themselves and their mother. Eventually his family moved to Kaiserslautern, Germany. There Heinz worked as a driver to US military personnel through the Labor Service, which changed his destiny. A soldier and great friend to Heinz, Sidney Rohde, convinced his parents into sponsoring Heinz to enable him to immigrate to the United States of America. His journey to a new life and country began November 20, 1956. Heinz landed in New York with $50.00 and a dream. He lived in Portland, Oregon and Browns Point, Washington with his sponsor family, who were so impressed with his honesty, dedication, and hard work that Heinz is considered a family member to this day. Heinz worked as a machinist until he joined the Army in 1957. This eventually led him back to Germany as a proud American soldier. Upon visiting his mother in Kaiserslautern, Heinz was asked by a neighbor when he was finally going to get married. Heinz looked up, saw a beautiful young woman and immediately wanted to know who she was. After dating for two weeks, Heinz let her know that he had never waited two weeks to get a kiss from a girl. That girl, Brigitte Basse', became his wife twelve months later, on January 11, 1966. Their love and dedication to one another lasted for 52 years. Strangers often asked if they were newlyweds, even after 51 years of marriage. Heinz had a distinguished 30-year US military career, including a tour of duty in Vietnam, 23 years of active duty, and 7 years as a reservist. Heinz led the 106 Finance and Accounting Division, acted as a translator in the German courts, and was renowned for his leadership skills in training and developing soldiers. He retired as a Sergeant First Class (E7), and was awarded many medals and honors, including: National Defense Service Medal; Vietnam service Medal w/1 Silver Service Star; Army Commendation Medal w/1 Oak Leaf Cluster; Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal; Good Conduct Clasp, Silver, 2 Loops; Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry w/Palm; Meritorious Service Medal. Heinz always had a passion for vehicles of all kinds. He could drive anything and everything. After retiring from the US Army, Heinz fulfilled his passion for driving by becoming a bus driver for Pierce Transit. Heinz knew his passengers well and was known to help out many who were down on their luck, including delivering a Christmas tree and presents to a single mom in need. Heinz was a kind man who was warm, loving, and generous. He spent nearly 20 years as a driver before retiring again. Upon retiring, he was often a judge at the annual Pierce Transit Rodeo. He was still active and attending the monthly retiree Pierce Transit breakfast, where he played the harmonica to the delight of many. Heinz had a passion for growing fruits and vegetables in his ever-extending garden. He was also a talented do-it-yourselfer and all-around fixer. Heinz and Brigitte also did a lot of traveling in the US and abroad. His greatest passion was his family, with whom he loved to spend time. Heinz was a charismatic, charming, hard-working family man, who loved his wife and girls above everything. Heinz was surrounded by his wife and daughters when he passed away on April 27, 2017. Heinz was predeceased by his brother, Gunter Basse'. He is survived by his soulmate and wife Brigitte, his cherished daughters Suzanne Anderson (Glenn) and Christine Basse' (Joerg), beloved grandsons Max Anderson and Luca Basse', and his extended family in Germany, including his brother, Bernhard Basse' (Irmengard). Words cannot describe the heartbreak and profound loss we feel as a family. We will miss you forever Heinzel, Papa, and Opa. A memorial service in celebration and honor of Heinz's life will take place on May 5th at 2pm at Mountain View Funeral Home in the Garden Chapel, with the reception following.